I had a f150 do the same thing actually about 5 as i worked for a company that bought them as manager trucks. they first replace the torque convertor on mine and some of the others the worked on the computer and it was a gearing issue. at 25 it didnt know what gear to go in so it felt like you were driving on a rumble strip.

 

So you are sayin the torque converter replacement solved it?

 

yes the computer doesnt know what to do so put you in wrong range and messes with torque convertor

 

I for one do not trust electric assist steering. That is way to important a thing to rely on an electric motor that could burn out at any time, short out, blow a fuse, have a corroded terminal, or rub a wire through.

I hope you get your problems fixed, but I believe you will have to go with an extra leaf spring to stop the long and relatively weak factory spring from wrapping. The vibration is another thing to fix after that. I bought a new Ford truck in 1979 that had a driveline vibration that never was fixed.

 

What makes that any different than hydraulic assist? Hoses rub through, pumps fail, spool valves fail, seals leak, etc. Electric power steering has been around for almost ten years now and it has proven to be very reliable.

 

Try doing some google searches on the problem. GM and Saturn have had quite a few problems, so has Ford on certain models. How many times have you actually heard of hydraulic steering stop working suddenly? In 40+ years of driving and in the mechanic world I have never heard of such unless a belt broke on the old muli belt systems, and usually the belt was squealing from being worn, and was replaced before breakage.

Don't take this the wrong way, but everytime someone mentions anything, you seem to want to take a contrary position. A debate is fine, but your answers seem to look to start an arguement.

I'm not here to argue nor be posted back at with an inciteful post. I still stand by my original post, electric assist steering is much more prone to fail suddenly, and with much worse results that hydraulic. The ONLY reason it exist is it is cheaper to build and install, plus it doesn't have a pulley and pump which rob HP and hurt gas mileage a small bit. The insane time limit on increased fuel mileage that is now mandated will result in more dangerous items placed upon the new vehicles.

Yes, I believe electric assist steering is dangerous, the same as I believe electronic throttle bodies are dangerous. There may not be a huge percentage fail, but when they do, what if you're pulling out in front of traffic at a busy intersection. Check Youtube for some nice videos of Fusions having throttle body problems.

 

I'm not so sure how we got off on a tangent about the steering system when the OP's issues are clearly a suspension / driveline / axle wrap issue.

Lets get back on topic please, thank you.

 

Tim...I did mention having the steering issue on one of the pages from trying to maneuver a boat on my sisters driveway. That where all this came from which I agree has nothing to do with the original post.